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drcharles2 · 11-20-2005, 06:42 PM

Our unit is winterized, parked in the driveway, and out of use. Attached to a 20 amp line from the house, the only draw is the light in the microwave, the clock in the control panel, the propane gas detector, and the carbon monoxide (CO) detector (first alert brand). The refrigerator, doors propped open, is switched to the off position. The propane is turned off at both exterior tanks. No furnace running, no electric heaters.

Every two to three days, when I'm out visiting the trailer to silently express my affection and loyalty, the CO detector is chirping the familiar warning signal, like a garbage truck backing into a landfill. All the windows and vents are secure and closed.

We are in a rural area, no industrial pollution or even burning leaves, there is nothing near the trailer (200 feet from the road), no motors running nearby, only a century old silver maple and my dog, ReWind, who suffers from terminal flatulence.

I reset the warning device, return in several days to the same result. Can anyone speculate as to the source of the CO

?

Thanks,
Dr. C.

RichardT · 11-20-2005, 07:03 PM

Have you already tried changing the battery, and/or relocating the unit to a different area (perhaps bring it into the house) to determine it is not defective?

overlander63 · 11-20-2005, 07:12 PM

Charles, it sounds like you have a battery that needs changing. Does the detector have a battery backup, or is it straight A.C.?

markdoane · 11-20-2005, 07:28 PM

You should get a CO detector that is designed and approved for RV use. First Alert does not make a RV qualified CO detector.

Expressing a little affection? You're not engaging in anthropomorphosis, are you?

drcharles2 · 11-21-2005, 10:56 AM

To Richard T, Overlander 63, and Mark Doane,

Thanks for the prompt response. The detector operates only on 110, i.e., does not have a battery. It elicits the same warning whether it is plugged in front adjacent to the gaucho, on the galley wall, or in the rear bedroom.

I became curious that my two front storage batteries were emitting some gaseous material that might be the cause of the warning, so I turned the univolt switch to off. Those batteries are, however, quite new ( < 6 months old), and I believe most of the gas from those is hydrogen produced from the electrolytic reaction.

Mark Doane is right about the CO unit being unapproved for RV use. It is probably ten years old and may just be defective. And yes, thanks for scolding me about anthropomorphosis. I've confessed to former sins against aluminum, accepted rehabilitation, and am currently wearing a home detention device while making amends for past indiscretions.

Bottom line: I need to break with a few bucks and upgrade the equipment.
Thanks,
Chas.

cammur · 11-21-2005, 12:23 PM

The CO detector that came with my 2005 is a Costar and is battery powered only - beeps when battery is low. Permanently mounted on a wall near the ceiling at the rear.

The built-in propane gas detector gives a visual warning signal (possibly also a tone???) if the house battery is below a certain voltage level.

norbert · 11-21-2005, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markdoane

You should get a CO detector that is designed and approved for RV use. First Alert does not make a RV qualified CO detector.

id be interested in knowing what is the difference that makes a co detector approved for RV use, other then it most likely is more expensive...
norby

wahoonc · 11-21-2005, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norbert

id be interested in knowing what is the difference that makes a co detector approved for RV use, other then it most likely is more expensive...
norby

Norby,
I asked that question and other than your reason

We believe that RV rated detectors are designed to take more vibration and greater tempature swings than a residential unit....but that is open for debate.

Aaron